November 11, 2016
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation is calling on the Coalition government and ALP Opposition to “stop playing politics with farmers’ futures” and urgently resolve the outstanding backpacker tax.
QFF President Stuart Armitage expressed his disappointment at the fact that while parliamentarians squabbled over the politics of the issue, Queensland farmers continued to have uncertainty on whether there would be workers for the upcoming season.
“The continuing politics around the backpacker tax issue is doing nothing but hurt Queensland farmers and regional communities,” Mr Armitage said.
“With only two parliamentary sitting weeks remaining in the year, time is running out to resolve the issue before the default rate 32.5 per cent commences on January 1, 2017.
“The Senate Inquiry into the Working Holiday Maker Reform package, the third inquiry into this issue, has recommended that the Coalition Government’s legislation to provide a 19 per cent tax rate be passed.
“QFF has continually supported and advocated for an internationally competitive tax rate that ensures Australia remains an attractive and competitive destination for backpackers to work and play.
“The proposed government superannuation reforms remain a separate and continuing issue for farmers and is well overdue for a comprehensive review.
“QFF joins our industry members Cotton Australia and Growcom in calling for an urgent resolution to the 18-month-long backpacker tax saga.”
Related articles:
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- Backpacker Inquiry Uncovers Abuses
- Labor Blamed For Backpacker Tax Delay
- MP Welcomes Backpacker Backdown
- Nats Claim Victory On Backpacker Tax
- QFF Urges Farmers To Fill In Backpacker Survey
- Review Will Look At Backpacker Tax
- Government Defers Backpacker Tax
- Queensland MPs Urge PM To Scrap Backpacker Tax
- Farmers Fight ‘Backpacker Tax’
